Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Vaginal prolapse that has no symptoms may be diagnosed during routine examinations. You may be referred to a gynecologist, who will do a pelvic exam.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. First or second degree prolapse without symptoms may not require treatment. Treatment options include:

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises
involve tensing the muscles around the vagina and anus, holding for several seconds, then releasing. The repetition of this exercise will help to tone pelvic muscles.

Medications

Estrogen therapy may be advised. This may help prevent further weakness of the pelvic floor.

Pessary Insertion

A pessary may be inserted into the upper portion of the vagina. A pessary is a rubbery, doughnut-shaped device. It helps to prop up the uterus and bladder. Pessary placement is more often used in older women.

Surgery

Vaginal prolapse that is severe or associated with lasting symptoms may require surgery. Surgery may involve repairing the pelvic floor structure or, in some cases, to suture the vagina.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of vaginal prolapse:

Do
Kegel exercises.

Maintain a healthy weight.

To avoid constipation, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

If you smoke,
talk to your doctor about ways to quit
. Smoking may cause chronic coughing and weakening of connective tissues.

Limit heavy lifting.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Uterine and vaginal prolapse. The Merck Manual Professional Edition. Available at:
http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology%5Fand%5Fobstetrics/pelvic%5Frelaxation%5Fsyndromes/uterine%5Fand%5Fvaginal%5Fprolapse.html.
Updated December 2013. Accessed March 18, 2014.

Vaginal pessary. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/drugs-procedures-devices/procedures-devices/vaginal-pessary.html. Updated August 2010. Accessed April 22, 2013.